Exeter
City of Bristol
(Exeter, Devon)
Dear Mike / Phil,
Please see below my account of the game at Exeter last night.
Disappointing from JB. All was sensible for 3 quarters.
James Baker offered to referee as Simon Tomlinson was unable to make it.
Accepted as preferable to have 2 refs as Bristol only travelled with 7 players.
Good game, no issues, very close.
Towards end of 3rd quarter, following Bristol goal, JB spoke to an Exeter player, at some length, following the player swearing at him and questioning a foul. No further action taken. (consider this to be appropriate)
Bristol 2 was reversed on the Exeter 2m line, leading to him questioning the decision, not swearing, and was immediately sent out. Bristol 2 further questioned this and was immediately wrapped for misconduct. In complete contradiction to the Exeter player who was spoken to, but no action taken.
This decision had a clearly detrimental effect on the game (Bristol only having 7 players) and was clearly not consistent application from JB.
I absolutely did express my frustration at this. JB approached me on the Bristol bench from the other side the pool, for what reason? The Refs were miked up, so he could communicate with PW, so why was he approaching the bench?
Further words were exchanged and JB then asked PW to issue a red card to me.
Bristol 2 remained calm and respectful on exiting the pool and returned to poolside post-match to thank both referees and the table in good faith.
A decent game ruined. Bristol winning when event occurred but it is unlikely that this caused the difference in treatment of the Exeter and Bristol players.
Best Regards,
John Sissons
+44 7968 085247